Raptors introduce Mitchell as head coach

Toronto, ON (Sports Network) – The Toronto Raptors on Tuesday introduced Sam
Mitchell as their new head coach during a morning press conference.

Mitchell spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach with the Milwaukee
Bucks. He was recently hired as the top assistant under Bernie Bickerstaff
with the expansion Charlotte Bobcats.

The 40-year-old Mitchell enjoyed a 13-year playing career in the NBA with the
Minnesota Timberwolves and Indiana Pacers. He played in 994 regular-season
contests and averaged 8.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.

The Raptors were in need of a head coach after Kevin O’Neill was dismissed
on April 16. Toronto finished with a 33-49 record in 2003-04 and failed
to qualify for the playoffs in O’Neill’s first campaign with the club. He
took over for Lenny Wilkens in June of 2003.